Refugio vittorio Emanuele & base of grand paradiso

Amazing hike to the base of Gran Paradiso Glacier(4061m)- highest peak fully in Italy , claimed for the first time in 1860. Very famous alpine hike- there are a lot of people going with a guide on the top of the glacier ( leaving before sunrise  from Refuge vittorio emanuele )- seems to be one of the easiest to do for beginner alpinist. We did not book any guide not had the equipment to go on ice , so  we went hiking as high as we could.  Starting from Pont, take the flat mule track that crosses the river with a wooden bridge. Carry along the flat for about a hundred metres, then start to climb upwards winding initially through a forest, then in the open air. After an initial steep stretch, the slope becomes more gentle and the bends wider, until you come to the Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge (2732 m). Amazing views on the glacier- yet Gran Paradiso is not visible from the refuge . One can get good food and water at the refuge. We took the path towards Gran Paradiso - not very well marked - but followed the marks of other hikers.  Path goes up through a mountain scenery, no plant just rocks and rivers .We stopped at 3000 m - not far from the glacier .Nice lake next to the refuge. We took the same path back to the parking. Plan to start early in high season, as this hike is really popular.